POPS, Manasota, along with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Florida and the Peace Education and Action Center, is sponsoring a forum, ‘Community Partnership School’ Model Transforms Struggling Schools into Thriving Schools, on December 11, 6:30—8:30 pm, at the Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center, 525 Kumquat Ct., Sarasota. We are hoping that you will help publicize this event and urge your members and supporters to attend.

The creation of Community Partnership Schools is an important way to challenge rampant school privatization that is harming education all over the nation but especially in Florida. The Community Partnership School model is an evidenced-based approach that is transforming struggling schools into thriving learning hubs. Community schools invest in children through quality teaching, challenging and engaging curricula, wraparound support services, positive school climate and strong ties to family and community. Authentic parent, youth and community engagement is at the core of the Community School concept.

“What does peace mean to you?”

“In a world that asks us to focus on the things that can separate us, A Peace of My Mind invites us to explore the common humanity that connects us.” – John Noltner, founder, A Peace of My Mind

A Peace of My Mind is a multimedia arts project built around the simple question, “What does peace mean to you?” Founded in 2009 by award-winning Minnesota photographer John Noltner, the project began as his effort to rediscover humanity in an increasingly polarized world.

With portraits and personal stories, ordinary people reveal extraordinary insights into how we can work toward common good and create a world that is more just for all.

Holocaust survivors, refugees, artists, former prisoners, teachers, immigrants, veterans, and more share inspiring stories of compassion, forgiveness, and transformation in a series that celebrates our common experience and sense of community.

The stories have been shared here at apeaceofmymind.net, in two award-winning books, and in traveling exhibits that are installed across the country.

A Peace of My Mind serves as a powerful catalyst for community conversations about service to others, civic responsibility, and social change. A compelling storyteller, John Noltner draws on his journey of discovery and the stories he has encountered along the way to lead engaging workshops, seminars, and keynote presentations.

Join us for a lively panel presentation and discussion on how Sarasota and Manatee Counties can develop “Community Partnership Schools.”

Learn: What are Community Partnership Schools? How can the Community Partnership School model turn around struggling schools and help close the achievement gap between high performing students and low performing students many of whom come from income-challenged families and/or are English Language Learners? Are Community Partnership Schools a viable alternative to school privatization?

Sponsors: Protect Our Public Schools (POPS), Manasota; League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Florida; Peace Education and Action Center

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The Critical Times is a quarterly publication of the Peace Education and Action Center. Our first edition hit the streets in January 2017. The purpose of the paper is to help foster democratic participation in our community.

WSLR is an innovative, listener-supported nonprofit, noncommercial FM radio station dedicated to serving the Sarasota community.

WSLR features locally produced programming and events that present cultural, artistic and political perspectives currently underrepresented in the media. Our goal is to inform and empower listeners to play an active role in WSLR and in their community. WSLR promotes equality, peace, sustainability, democracy, health, and social and economic justice.